Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Despite best efforts to relieve individuals of pain either through conservative or surgical measures, some patients experience chronic pain. Spinal cord stimulators are permanently implanted in the spinal canal to provide pain relief. This procedure attempts to convert the painful sensation to a tingling sensation, which the brain perceives as more desirable. Small leads with multiple electrodes are positioned over the spinal cord. There are several designs of spinal cord stimulation devices.

There are two parts to the surgery. There is a trial phase in which the leads are placed and connected to an external power supply. You will go home for several days to weeks and see how well the device controls your pain. If this is successful, a permanent system will be implanted. If the trial is not successful, an attempt at a second trial may be undertaken. If it also fails, the leads will be removed permanently.

Conditions Treated

Spinal cord stimulation may be used to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions including failed back surgery syndrome, multi-level degenerative problems and conditions related to problems with how the body processes pain signals.

During the Procedure

You will have received a mild sedative, but need to remain awake during the procedure.

After the skin is cleaned, a local anesthetic is used in the operative area.

A needle is placed into your back.

The wire-like leads are passed through the needle and into the region of the spinal cord.

Fluoroscopy, a method used to make images, is used to show the doctor where the leads are.

After the leads are placed, the doctor will turn the device on and ask questions about where you are feeling stimulation in relation to where your pain is.

The leads will be repositioned and the settings on the electrodes changed until the best possible coverage of your painful areas is achieved.

The opposite end of the leads will be connected to an external generator to power the electrodes.

The procedure usually takes at least an hour.

After the Procedure

You will be in the recovery room from 1 to 1½ hours.

The surgeon will contact your family while you are in recovery.

You will usually go home the same day as the procedure.

You will have a device to use to turn the unit off and on.

It is important to avoid twisting and bending.

An appointment will be made with your doctor to discuss your responses to the trial.

If the trial is successful, a permanent system will be implanted.

Spinal cord stimulation may not relieve all your pain. This is particularly true if you have had multiple previous spine surgeries. However, the goal is to reduce pain so that your quality of life can be significantly improved.